Acquirings

While I was serving in Brasil, I had with me my fabric-covered red stripe journal, which I had been pasting pictures of house interiors I liked the summer before I left, and when I had a couple minutes at night occasionally I would leaf through the pages of my single source of visual stimulation. And I would soak it in like a citrus tree in the desert.

As most of you probably have realized, I am mildly obsessed with design and I look through magazines constantly, perusing each page for objects or ideas that strike my fancy. I have started my new look book, a binder with plastic sleeves, filled with pages marked with little black arrows pointing out some detail I enjoy. Some day it will come in handy, I am sure of it.

Since I have been home, I have made a few purchases that I find extremely enjoyable. I recently read an article about a westside storeowner who said he likes to arrange his space with his treasured items, and then just sit and look at them, and smile. I couldn't help but beam when I read this, because that is precisely what I do. I rearrange my room or do a new display, even with my limited space, then I sit, admire, and smile, enjoying the satisfaction of having created some new aesthetic pleasure.

I thought I would share a few of my latest purchases, be they small, with you. Each one brings a smile to my face.

First, and foremost, my vintage polka-dot mannequin. I have another mannequin that is simply linen covered, but this one is beyond. It's the ultimate manifestation of vintage girliness. I couldn't pass it up. It even came complete with a tulle skirt ( I added the blue necklace, it hangs so nicely, and reminds me to wear it).

Next, my cloche with specimens. In a quest to define my absolute style, items like this throw me for a loop; put this next to the pink mannequin and it doesn't seem to jive. But that's just me. And I love this more each day.

Then I found a little satchel of vintage twine (two of which have intertwined silver) at our favorite thrift store in Pasadena. And to complete the look, there was a ruffled cake pan there too! It's like a cupcake, just that sweet of a visual. And in case you are wondering what I will do with rolls of vintage twine, it wraps a darn cute present.

Lastly, I purchased a rectangular white english ironstone platter at the antique mall in Springville, UT. I am of the persuasion that you cannot have too many white platters and serving dishes, and an ironstone one is always a find. I have excitedly begun my vintage hotel silver collection, with the pieces you see below. I have had this desire for some time, and finally the moment presented itself.

My Dad always tells me I shouldn't spend money on this type of stuff at my stage of life, I should save it to put gas in my Mini or some other practical use, but I am hopelessly enamoured by vintage items. I can't help myself.